MMRDA spends around Rs 76 lakh every month on security for monorail

This may come as a shock to you but an RTI query has revealed that MMRDA spends around Rs 76 lakh every month on expenses for Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC). In a reply to an RTI filed by activist Anil Galgali, it has also come forward that on an average 14,282 passengers are using the services daily.

Deputy Engineer cum Public Information Officer of Monorail gave the information in reply to the RTI query.

“In all, a total sum of Rs 2716 crores was drawn as an planned expense out of which Rs 2290 is already spent by MMRDA. M/s Skomi Engineering BHD a Malaysia Group (LTSE) and M/s Larsen and Tubro are the beneficiaries of this amount spent by the MMRDA. An exact amount of Rs 75,96,077/- is been spent only on the Security of the 7 stations and depots of Monorail work of which is been awarded to Maharashtra State Security Corporation.” Galgali said.

Galgali had also asked about the number of passengers and total collection. In reply to this, MMRDA revealed that from February 2014 to March 2015, i.e. in 14 months, 59,98,069 passengers have used the monorail and Rs 4,88,46,969 is the revenue generated in form of sale of tickets. One round trip costs MMRDA a sum of Rs 3131 per trip and not more than 131 trips are done daily. The second portion of the remaining work of monorail is 81% complete and will be ready by December 2015.

In a letter written to the Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Galgali has asked for relaxation on the security expense collected by the government exchequer. This will lighten MMRDA's burden and in a way can make monorail project a bit viable.

"It is a public transport now. It would be easier for the MMRDA if the government stops collecting these huge amounts per month just for providing security to stations and depots. I have also requested the CM in my letter to stop the overflow of people sent in by the Government for this specific purpose as security should be provided only as per the requirements." added Galgali